US5752740A - Motor vehicle armrest with storage space - Google Patents

Motor vehicle armrest with storage space Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5752740A
US5752740A US08/673,087 US67308796A US5752740A US 5752740 A US5752740 A US 5752740A US 67308796 A US67308796 A US 67308796A US 5752740 A US5752740 A US 5752740A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
padding
opening
armrest according
armrest
depositing area
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US08/673,087
Inventor
Tilo Volkmann
Juergen Koerber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Daimler AG
Original Assignee
Mercedes Benz AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mercedes Benz AG filed Critical Mercedes Benz AG
Assigned to MERCEDES-BENZ AG reassignment MERCEDES-BENZ AG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KOERBER, JUERGEN, VOLKMANN, TILO
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5752740A publication Critical patent/US5752740A/en
Assigned to DAIMLER-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT reassignment DAIMLER-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MERCEDES-BENZ AG
Assigned to DAIMLER-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT reassignment DAIMLER-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT MERGER RE-RECORD TO CORRECT THE NUMBER OF MICROFILM PAGES FROM 60 TO 98 AT REEL 9360, FRAME 0937. Assignors: MERCEDES-BENZ AG
Assigned to DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG reassignment DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DAIMLER-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R11/0241Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for telephones
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60NSEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/75Arm-rests
    • B60N2/79Adaptations for additional use of the arm-rests
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R7/00Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps
    • B60R7/04Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps in driver or passenger space, e.g. using racks
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
    • B60R2011/0007Mid-console
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
    • B60R2011/0012Seats or parts thereof
    • B60R2011/0014Arm-rests
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0042Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
    • B60R2011/008Adjustable or movable supports
    • B60R2011/0082Adjustable or movable supports collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0094Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by means for covering after user, e.g. boxes, shutters or the like
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R2011/0276Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for rear passenger use
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R2011/0282Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for the use of several passengers, e.g. simultaneously

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an armrest for vehicles, and more particularly, to an armrest arranged between front seats of the vehicle, comprising a basic body configured as an upwardly open receiving compartment, a closing flap configured and arranged to cover the receiving compartment, the closing flap being operatively associated with the basic body so as to be swivellable about a swivel shaft aligned transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the basic body, an arm supporting padding provided at the closing flap, and a depositing area which is accessible from above the armrest.
  • DE 42 30 242 A1 describes an armrest having a closing flap which can be lockably fixed on the basic body by a first lock and constructed in two parts.
  • a flap body contains the tray and a cover which covers the tray and has an arm supporting padding fastened thereon.
  • the cover is swivellably held on the swivel shaft of the closing flap and can be fixed to the flap body by a second lock.
  • the closing flap For opening the lower receiving compartment in this known armrest, after the release of the first lock, the closing flap must be swivelled by 90° about its swivel shaft.
  • the second lock remains active so that the tray remains closed.
  • the second lock For the opening-up of the tray, the second lock must be released, and the cover with the arm supporting padding must be swivelled up by 90°.
  • DE 42 20 670 A1 shows a closable receptacle for accommodating a car telephone which, for the purpose of providing an attractive design of its cover, is covered by a sliding blind which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle.
  • the receptacle is integrated in a covering which extends from the center console below the dashboard to the armrest, and is therefore arranged in front of the armrest. For this purpose, additional installation space must be provided in the vehicle. Because of this arrangement of the closable receptacle, the car telephone is accessible to the driver or front seat passenger but cannot be used from the rear seat without the driver's or front seat passenger's help.
  • the armrest according to the present invention has the advantage that the closing flap is in one piece and, together with the integrated tray, can be produced as a molded plastic part which is advantageous with respect to a manufacturing operation therefor.
  • An additional locking mechanism for the connection of the tray and the supporting padding during the swivelling of the closing flap for opening the lower receiving compartment is unnecessary.
  • the tray can be covered in a lockable manner. After the sliding blind is pushed away for exposing the tray, no parts swivelled away from the armrest hinder the access to the tray from the rear seats of the motor vehicle between the backrests of the front seats.
  • the depositing compartment When, according to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the depositing compartment is equipped with at least the handpiece of a car telephone, the depositing compartment is brought into a position by swivelling up the closing flap.
  • This arrangement is extremely favorable for access from the rear seats because the depositing compartment can be conveniently opened by persons occupying the rear seat and the handpiece can be removed for making a phone call.
  • the armrest according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for chauffeur-driven vehicles, in that it accommodates the car telephone which is essentially used from the rear seat bench in those types of vehicles.
  • the closed sliding blind for the depositing compartment itself presents an attractive appearance of the armrest which can also be influenced by that fact that, according to another presently contemplated embodiment of the present invention, the siding blind may be arranged flush with the supporting padding or sunk with respect to the supporting padding.
  • the lateral guides for the sliding blind like the tray, are molded on during the manufacturing operation of the closing flap and are covered by the arm supporting padding in an invisible manner.
  • the supporting surface of the supporting padding remaining around the opening is sufficient for ensuring a comfortable arm support for the driver and/or the front seat passenger.
  • the supporting surface of the supporting padding can be adapted to the manufacturer's ideas without any problems.
  • the material cross-sections of the supporting padding remaining on both sides of the depositing openings can have equal or different dimensions and/or may be constructed to reach over the depositing compartment and the sliding blind on both longitudinal sides to an equal of different extent in order to provide, for example, for the driver and front seat passenger, an equally sufficiently wide support or only an arm support for the driver or for the front seat passenger.
  • FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view along line I--I in FIG. 3 of an armrest in accordance with the present invention for a vehicle;
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II--II in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of the armrest as viewed in the direction of the arrow III in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a cutout of a cross-section of another embodiment of the armrest according to the present invention also along line II--II in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 is a top view as viewed in the direction of arrow III in FIG. 1 of an armrest according to yet another embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line VI--VI in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a top view as viewed in the direction of the arrow III in FIG. 1 of an armrest according to a yet further embodiment of the armrest of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line VIII--VIII in FIG. 7.
  • the armrest illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided for the firm mounting on the center console between the two front seats of a passenger car in a generally known manner.
  • the armrest has a basic body 10 with an integrated receiving compartment 11 and a closing flap 12 with an arm supporting padding 13 arranged thereon.
  • the closing flap 12, which is constructed for covering the receiving compartment 11, is arranged to be swivelled transversely to the longitudinal axis of the armrest about a swivel shaft 14 held on the rearward end of and inside the basic body 10.
  • a locking arrangement 15 is provided by way of which the closing flap 12 can be lockably latched on the basic body 10.
  • a depositing compartment 16 is integrated in which the earpiece and the handpiece 17 of a car telephone can be placed so that it can be taken out.
  • the access to the depositing compartment 15 and therefore to the handpiece 17 of the car telephone is permitted by an elongated central opening 18 which is provided in the arm supporting padding 13 and which can be closed by a sliding blind 19.
  • the sliding blind 19 is slidably guided in longitudinal rails 20 which project at a right angle on the upper edge of the depositing compartment 16 on mutually opposite longitudinal sides on the interior wall of the depositing compartment 16.
  • the inside width of the opening 18 in the padding 13, whose material cross-section is also shown, has approximately the same size as the inside width of the opening of the depositing compartment 16.
  • the longitudinal rails 20 are arranged such that the exterior side of the sliding blind 19 is almost flush with the surface of the padding 13.
  • the padding 13 has an asymmetrical shape and, in the forward half of the armrest, offers a slightly wider arm supporting surface for the front seat passenger.
  • the material cross-section of the padding 13 remaining on both longitudinal sides of the opening 18 has approximately the same dimension.
  • the portion of the modified armrest shown in FIG. 4 in cross section has the sliding blind 19 arranged in a sunken manner and therefore has a larger distance from the surface of the padding 13.
  • the padding 13 On both longitudinal sides of the armrest, the padding 13 reaches over the opening 18 and the sliding blind 19 more or less far so that the inside width of the opening 18 is slightly smaller than that of the depositing compartment 16.
  • the sliding blind 19 is arranged at an even larger distance from the surface of the padding 13 in the closing flap 12.
  • the opening 18 in the padding 13 is constructed to be asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the armrest and is wider in the rearward half of the armrest than in the forward half.
  • the padding support 13 again reaches on the edge side over the sliding blind 19.
  • the material cross-section of the padding remaining on both longitudinal sides of the armrest 13 is equally large so that the same arm supporting surface adjoins the opening 18 on the driver's side and on the front seat passenger's side.
  • the receiving compartment 11 and the opening 18 in the padding 13 are not arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the armrest but are offset in the direction of the front seat passenger side relative to the armrest.
  • the material cross-section of the padding 13 on the driver-side longitudinal side is significantly larger than the material cross-section of the padding 13 remaining on the front-passenger-side longitudinal side.
  • the sliding blind 19 is again arranged in a sunken manner with respect to the surface of the padding 13 and, on the edge side, the padding 13 reaches slightly thereover.
  • a grip strip 21 (FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 7) is fastened to the sliding blind 19 for operating the latter to open and close the depositing compartment 16.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

An armrest for vehicles has a basic body constructed with an upwardly open receiving compartment and a closing flap which covers the receiving compartment. The closing flap is swivellably held on the basic body and has an arm supporting padding and a depositing compartment. For making the depositing tray accessible from the rear seat of the vehicle between the backrests of the two front seats, with a low-cost manufacture and an attractive appearance of the armrest, the arm padding support is provided with a central opening. A sliding blind which covers the depositing tray is longitudinally slidably guided in the closing flap.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an armrest for vehicles, and more particularly, to an armrest arranged between front seats of the vehicle, comprising a basic body configured as an upwardly open receiving compartment, a closing flap configured and arranged to cover the receiving compartment, the closing flap being operatively associated with the basic body so as to be swivellable about a swivel shaft aligned transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the basic body, an arm supporting padding provided at the closing flap, and a depositing area which is accessible from above the armrest.
DE 42 30 242 A1 describes an armrest having a closing flap which can be lockably fixed on the basic body by a first lock and constructed in two parts. A flap body contains the tray and a cover which covers the tray and has an arm supporting padding fastened thereon. The cover is swivellably held on the swivel shaft of the closing flap and can be fixed to the flap body by a second lock.
For opening the lower receiving compartment in this known armrest, after the release of the first lock, the closing flap must be swivelled by 90° about its swivel shaft. The second lock remains active so that the tray remains closed. For the opening-up of the tray, the second lock must be released, and the cover with the arm supporting padding must be swivelled up by 90°.
With respect to manufacturing techniques, such a multipart construction of the closing flap with its different swivel and locking mechanisms is not very advantageous and, when arranged between the front seats of a motor vehicle, hinders the access to the open tray from the rear seat because, during the opening of the tray, the cover with the arm supporting padding swivels toward the rear.
DE 42 20 670 A1 shows a closable receptacle for accommodating a car telephone which, for the purpose of providing an attractive design of its cover, is covered by a sliding blind which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle. The receptacle is integrated in a covering which extends from the center console below the dashboard to the armrest, and is therefore arranged in front of the armrest. For this purpose, additional installation space must be provided in the vehicle. Because of this arrangement of the closable receptacle, the car telephone is accessible to the driver or front seat passenger but cannot be used from the rear seat without the driver's or front seat passenger's help.
It is an object of the present invention to improve an armrest of the known type by providing two integrated, separately accessible storage spaces as well as an unimpaired arm supporting function. Thereby, while an attractive appearance is maintained, on the one hand, a manufacturing operation is simplified. Also, the accessibility of the upper depositing tray from the rear seat of the vehicle is advantageously ensured without any hindrances.
The foregoing object has been achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing that accessibility of the depositing area is provided by a central opening in the padding and a sliding blind is longitudinally slidably guided in the closing flap which covers the depositing area.
The armrest according to the present invention has the advantage that the closing flap is in one piece and, together with the integrated tray, can be produced as a molded plastic part which is advantageous with respect to a manufacturing operation therefor. An additional locking mechanism for the connection of the tray and the supporting padding during the swivelling of the closing flap for opening the lower receiving compartment is unnecessary. By way of the sliding blind, the tray can be covered in a lockable manner. After the sliding blind is pushed away for exposing the tray, no parts swivelled away from the armrest hinder the access to the tray from the rear seats of the motor vehicle between the backrests of the front seats.
When, according to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the depositing compartment is equipped with at least the handpiece of a car telephone, the depositing compartment is brought into a position by swivelling up the closing flap. This arrangement is extremely favorable for access from the rear seats because the depositing compartment can be conveniently opened by persons occupying the rear seat and the handpiece can be removed for making a phone call. The armrest according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for chauffeur-driven vehicles, in that it accommodates the car telephone which is essentially used from the rear seat bench in those types of vehicles.
The closed sliding blind for the depositing compartment itself presents an attractive appearance of the armrest which can also be influenced by that fact that, according to another presently contemplated embodiment of the present invention, the siding blind may be arranged flush with the supporting padding or sunk with respect to the supporting padding. The lateral guides for the sliding blind, like the tray, are molded on during the manufacturing operation of the closing flap and are covered by the arm supporting padding in an invisible manner.
The supporting surface of the supporting padding remaining around the opening is sufficient for ensuring a comfortable arm support for the driver and/or the front seat passenger. The supporting surface of the supporting padding can be adapted to the manufacturer's ideas without any problems. Thus, according to different embodiments of the present invention, the material cross-sections of the supporting padding remaining on both sides of the depositing openings can have equal or different dimensions and/or may be constructed to reach over the depositing compartment and the sliding blind on both longitudinal sides to an equal of different extent in order to provide, for example, for the driver and front seat passenger, an equally sufficiently wide support or only an arm support for the driver or for the front seat passenger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view along line I--I in FIG. 3 of an armrest in accordance with the present invention for a vehicle;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II--II in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the armrest as viewed in the direction of the arrow III in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cutout of a cross-section of another embodiment of the armrest according to the present invention also along line II--II in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a top view as viewed in the direction of arrow III in FIG. 1 of an armrest according to yet another embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line VI--VI in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a top view as viewed in the direction of the arrow III in FIG. 1 of an armrest according to a yet further embodiment of the armrest of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line VIII--VIII in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The armrest illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided for the firm mounting on the center console between the two front seats of a passenger car in a generally known manner. The armrest has a basic body 10 with an integrated receiving compartment 11 and a closing flap 12 with an arm supporting padding 13 arranged thereon. The closing flap 12, which is constructed for covering the receiving compartment 11, is arranged to be swivelled transversely to the longitudinal axis of the armrest about a swivel shaft 14 held on the rearward end of and inside the basic body 10. On the forward end of the closing flap 12, which is away from the swivel shaft 14, a locking arrangement 15 is provided by way of which the closing flap 12 can be lockably latched on the basic body 10.
In the closing flap 12, a depositing compartment 16 is integrated in which the earpiece and the handpiece 17 of a car telephone can be placed so that it can be taken out. The access to the depositing compartment 15 and therefore to the handpiece 17 of the car telephone is permitted by an elongated central opening 18 which is provided in the arm supporting padding 13 and which can be closed by a sliding blind 19. The sliding blind 19 is slidably guided in longitudinal rails 20 which project at a right angle on the upper edge of the depositing compartment 16 on mutually opposite longitudinal sides on the interior wall of the depositing compartment 16.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the inside width of the opening 18 in the padding 13, whose material cross-section is also shown, has approximately the same size as the inside width of the opening of the depositing compartment 16. The longitudinal rails 20 are arranged such that the exterior side of the sliding blind 19 is almost flush with the surface of the padding 13. The padding 13 has an asymmetrical shape and, in the forward half of the armrest, offers a slightly wider arm supporting surface for the front seat passenger. Furthermore, the material cross-section of the padding 13 remaining on both longitudinal sides of the opening 18 has approximately the same dimension.
The portion of the modified armrest shown in FIG. 4 in cross section has the sliding blind 19 arranged in a sunken manner and therefore has a larger distance from the surface of the padding 13. On both longitudinal sides of the armrest, the padding 13 reaches over the opening 18 and the sliding blind 19 more or less far so that the inside width of the opening 18 is slightly smaller than that of the depositing compartment 16.
In the embodiment of the armrest illustrated in FIG. 5 and in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 6 along line VI--VI in FIG. 5, the sliding blind 19 is arranged at an even larger distance from the surface of the padding 13 in the closing flap 12. The opening 18 in the padding 13 is constructed to be asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the armrest and is wider in the rearward half of the armrest than in the forward half. The padding support 13 again reaches on the edge side over the sliding blind 19. The material cross-section of the padding remaining on both longitudinal sides of the armrest 13 is equally large so that the same arm supporting surface adjoins the opening 18 on the driver's side and on the front seat passenger's side.
In the case of the armrest according to the embodiment of the armrest shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the receiving compartment 11 and the opening 18 in the padding 13 are not arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the armrest but are offset in the direction of the front seat passenger side relative to the armrest. As a result, on the driver-side longitudinal side of the armrest, there is a wider arm supporting surface of the padding 13. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the material cross-section of the padding 13 on the driver-side longitudinal side is significantly larger than the material cross-section of the padding 13 remaining on the front-passenger-side longitudinal side. The sliding blind 19 is again arranged in a sunken manner with respect to the surface of the padding 13 and, on the edge side, the padding 13 reaches slightly thereover. A grip strip 21 (FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 7) is fastened to the sliding blind 19 for operating the latter to open and close the depositing compartment 16.
Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. An armrest for a vehicle adapted to be arranged between front seats of the vehicle, comprising a basic body configured as an upwardly open receiving compartment, a closing flap configured and arranged to cover the receiving compartment, the closing flap being operatively associated with the basic body so as to be swivellable about a swivel shaft aligned transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the basic body, an arm supporting padding provided at the closing flap, and a depositing area which is accessible from above the armrest, wherein, accessibility of the depositing area is provided by a central opening in the padding and a sliding blind is longitudinally slidably guided in the closing flap which covers the depositing area.
2. The armrest according to claim 1, wherein an inside width of an opening of the depositing area and of the padding opening are approximately equal.
3. The armrest according to claim 2, wherein an exterior side of the sliding blind is flush with an exposed surface of the padding.
4. The armrest according to claim 2, wherein a material cross-section of the padding on one of the longitudinal sides of the padding opening is different from that on another of the longitudinal sides.
5. The armrest according to claim 4, wherein an exterior side of the sliding blind is flush with an exposed surface of the padding.
6. The armrest according to claim 1, wherein the depositing area and the padding opening have an asymmetrical construction with respect to the longitudinal axis.
7. The armrest according to claim 6, wherein an inside width of an opening of the depositing area and of the padding opening are approximately equal.
8. The armrest according to claim 7, wherein an exterior side of the sliding blind is flush with an exposed surface of the padding.
9. The armrest according to claim 6, wherein an inside width of the padding opening is smaller than an inside width of an opening of the depositing area.
10. The armrest according to claim 9, wherein the sliding blind is arranged in a sunken manner at a distance from an exposed surface of the padding.
11. The armrest according to claim 1, wherein an inside width of the padding opening is smaller than an inside width of an opening of the depositing area.
12. The armrest according to claim 11, wherein the sliding blind is arranged in a sunken manner at a distance from an exposed surface of the padding.
13. The armrest according to claim 1, wherein the swivel shaft is arranged at the rearward end of the basic body, and at least a car telephone handpiece is removably held in the depositing area.
14. The armrest according to claim 13, wherein an inside width of an opening of the depositing area and of the padding opening are approximately equal.
15. The armrest according to claim 14, wherein an exterior side of the sliding blind is flush with an exposed surface of the padding.
16. The armrest according to claim 13, wherein an inside width of the padding opening is smaller than an inside width of an opening of the depositing area.
17. The armrest according to claim 16, wherein the sliding blind is arranged in a sunken manner at a distance from an exposed surface of the padding.
18. The armrest according to claim 13, wherein the depositing area and the padding opening have an asymmetrical construction with respect to the longitudinal axis.
19. The armrest according to claim 13, wherein an inside width of an opening of the depositing area and of the padding opening are approximately equal.
20. The armrest according to claim 19, wherein a material cross-section of the padding on one of the longitudinal sides of the opening is different from that on another of the longitudinal sides.
US08/673,087 1995-07-03 1996-07-01 Motor vehicle armrest with storage space Expired - Fee Related US5752740A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19524177A DE19524177C1 (en) 1995-07-03 1995-07-03 Rear seat arm rest for vehicle
DE19524177.0 1995-07-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5752740A true US5752740A (en) 1998-05-19

Family

ID=7765877

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/673,087 Expired - Fee Related US5752740A (en) 1995-07-03 1996-07-01 Motor vehicle armrest with storage space

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US5752740A (en)
DE (1) DE19524177C1 (en)

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2792586A1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2000-10-27 Ecia Equip Composants Ind Auto CONSOLE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE INTERIOR
US6152514A (en) * 1998-12-10 2000-11-28 Mclellen; Arthur O. Resilient console for a passenger vehicle
US6278676B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2001-08-21 Prince Technology Corporation Media player system for a vehicle
US6508508B1 (en) 2001-02-02 2003-01-21 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Armrest storage
FR2851966A1 (en) 2003-03-03 2004-09-10 Renault Sa Central console for use between vehicle seats, has slats including support units that are placed in parallel to surface of curtain, such that support units elastically press opposite sides of guide rails
US20050062320A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2005-03-24 Bernhard Duerr Holding receptacle for vehicles
EP1544040A1 (en) * 2003-12-18 2005-06-22 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Vehicle dashboard with a display
US20060186696A1 (en) * 2005-02-10 2006-08-24 Lisa Draxlmaier Gmbh Roller blind with soft surface
EP1724155A1 (en) * 2005-05-19 2006-11-22 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Roller shutter with curved surface and Method for its production
US20060260767A1 (en) * 2005-04-28 2006-11-23 Lisa Draxlmaier Gmbh Roller blind
US20070063553A1 (en) * 2005-09-22 2007-03-22 Lev Lilov Vehicle console
US20100066115A1 (en) * 2007-01-04 2010-03-18 Johnson Control Technology Company Integrated soft center floor console
US20100133866A1 (en) * 2008-12-03 2010-06-03 Johnson Controls Technology Company Flexible interior trim component having a smooth surface
WO2015034788A1 (en) * 2013-09-06 2015-03-12 Johnson Controls Technology Company Adjustable vehicle armrest assembly having a tambour door
WO2015084976A1 (en) * 2013-12-04 2015-06-11 Johnson Controls Technology Company Adjustable vehicle armrest system having a tambour door
US9085265B2 (en) 2010-05-12 2015-07-21 Johnson Controls Technology Company Flexible interior trim component having an integral skin show surface
CN104908655A (en) * 2014-03-14 2015-09-16 本田技研工业株式会社 Vehicle console with sliding and pivoting armrest assembly
CN105793112A (en) * 2013-09-13 2016-07-20 江森自控科技公司 Vehicle console having a track for moving a tambour door between multiple positions
JP2017052497A (en) * 2015-09-11 2017-03-16 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Storage device for vehicle
CN107521839A (en) * 2016-06-22 2017-12-29 费希尔汽车系统有限责任两合公司 Storage tank with roller shutter
FR3060487A1 (en) * 2016-12-19 2018-06-22 Faurecia Interieur Industrie STORAGE COMPARTMENT COMPRISING A SLIDING CURTAIN
US10077003B2 (en) * 2012-07-13 2018-09-18 Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd. Vehicle interior component
CN112105527A (en) * 2018-05-14 2020-12-18 大众汽车股份公司 Storage device for a vehicle
US10926707B2 (en) 2017-06-27 2021-02-23 Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd. Vehicle interior component
US11358505B2 (en) * 2019-07-10 2022-06-14 Grammer Ag Seat armrest
US12122303B2 (en) * 2018-05-14 2024-10-22 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Tray for a vehicle

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19646809B4 (en) * 1996-11-13 2006-04-20 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag cover
DE19754832B4 (en) * 1997-12-10 2010-11-25 Volkswagen Ag Vehicle door, in particular for passenger cars
DE10023068A1 (en) * 2000-05-11 2001-11-15 Volkswagen Ag Storage box is fitted into cockpit area of car and is closed by a sheet of material which is rolled over rod and can be unrolled along grooves in side walls
DE20015730U1 (en) * 2000-09-12 2002-01-31 Sarnatech Paulmann & Crone GmbH, 58509 Lüdenscheid functional part
DE102007053776A1 (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-05-14 Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn Covering device for covering opening in interior fitting part of vehicle, particularly motor vehicle, has roller blind with actuating element, and two guiding elements are arranged at corresponding side edge of opening
CN104442584B (en) * 2014-11-17 2016-09-07 重庆市华青汽车配件有限公司 The device of article in receiving automobile
DE102015002758A1 (en) * 2015-03-05 2016-09-08 Fischer Automotive Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg Blinds in particular for a storage compartment in a motor vehicle
DE102018206144B4 (en) * 2018-04-20 2020-06-18 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Armrest for a motor vehicle with padded armrest
DE102020112473B3 (en) * 2020-05-07 2021-06-10 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Cover device with cover arrangement

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1490538A (en) * 1921-12-21 1924-04-15 Harry E Owen Utility receptacle and armrest
US2797739A (en) * 1953-11-27 1957-07-02 Nello J Orsini Combined arm rest, table and drawer for vehicle seats
US3237824A (en) * 1964-11-12 1966-03-01 Daniel E Gunckel Container for automobile
US3951448A (en) * 1975-04-21 1976-04-20 Frederick Hawie Receptacle armrest for motor vehicles
DE2545308A1 (en) * 1975-10-09 1977-04-21 Babcock & Wilcox Ag Mounting for mobile vehicle telephone - has padded recess in armrest to allow rear seat operation when swung up
US4868888A (en) * 1986-10-17 1989-09-19 Wang Laboratories, Inc. Audio communications module for an office chair
DE4220670A1 (en) * 1992-06-24 1994-01-05 Daimler Benz Ag Closed compartment for vehicle telephone - has roller cover coupled to pivot mechanism bringing carrier for telephone into raised position when cover is opened
DE4230242A1 (en) * 1992-09-10 1994-03-17 Happich Gmbh Gebr Center console for vehicles
US5390976A (en) * 1993-05-26 1995-02-21 Ford Motor Company Convertible floor console and auxiliary seat for an automotive vehicle
US5494329A (en) * 1994-04-19 1996-02-27 Gonzalez; Jacqueline A. Canopy assembly for bicycle-mounted child carriers and the like
US5556017A (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-09-17 Delco Electronics Corporation Hinged phone bracket for vehicle
US5562331A (en) * 1994-12-09 1996-10-08 Prince Corporation Storage compartment with cover

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1490538A (en) * 1921-12-21 1924-04-15 Harry E Owen Utility receptacle and armrest
US2797739A (en) * 1953-11-27 1957-07-02 Nello J Orsini Combined arm rest, table and drawer for vehicle seats
US3237824A (en) * 1964-11-12 1966-03-01 Daniel E Gunckel Container for automobile
US3951448A (en) * 1975-04-21 1976-04-20 Frederick Hawie Receptacle armrest for motor vehicles
DE2545308A1 (en) * 1975-10-09 1977-04-21 Babcock & Wilcox Ag Mounting for mobile vehicle telephone - has padded recess in armrest to allow rear seat operation when swung up
US4868888A (en) * 1986-10-17 1989-09-19 Wang Laboratories, Inc. Audio communications module for an office chair
DE4220670A1 (en) * 1992-06-24 1994-01-05 Daimler Benz Ag Closed compartment for vehicle telephone - has roller cover coupled to pivot mechanism bringing carrier for telephone into raised position when cover is opened
DE4230242A1 (en) * 1992-09-10 1994-03-17 Happich Gmbh Gebr Center console for vehicles
US5390976A (en) * 1993-05-26 1995-02-21 Ford Motor Company Convertible floor console and auxiliary seat for an automotive vehicle
US5494329A (en) * 1994-04-19 1996-02-27 Gonzalez; Jacqueline A. Canopy assembly for bicycle-mounted child carriers and the like
US5562331A (en) * 1994-12-09 1996-10-08 Prince Corporation Storage compartment with cover
US5556017A (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-09-17 Delco Electronics Corporation Hinged phone bracket for vehicle

Cited By (40)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6152514A (en) * 1998-12-10 2000-11-28 Mclellen; Arthur O. Resilient console for a passenger vehicle
US6278676B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2001-08-21 Prince Technology Corporation Media player system for a vehicle
EP1048514A1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2000-11-02 Ecia Industrie Console for a motor vehicle interior
FR2792586A1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2000-10-27 Ecia Equip Composants Ind Auto CONSOLE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE INTERIOR
US6508508B1 (en) 2001-02-02 2003-01-21 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Armrest storage
US7147280B2 (en) * 2001-12-05 2006-12-12 Daimlerchrysler Ag Holding receptacle for vehicles
US20050062320A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2005-03-24 Bernhard Duerr Holding receptacle for vehicles
FR2851966A1 (en) 2003-03-03 2004-09-10 Renault Sa Central console for use between vehicle seats, has slats including support units that are placed in parallel to surface of curtain, such that support units elastically press opposite sides of guide rails
EP1544040A1 (en) * 2003-12-18 2005-06-22 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Vehicle dashboard with a display
US7588280B2 (en) * 2005-02-10 2009-09-15 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Roller blind with soft surface
US20060186696A1 (en) * 2005-02-10 2006-08-24 Lisa Draxlmaier Gmbh Roller blind with soft surface
US7591499B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2009-09-22 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Roller blind
US20060260767A1 (en) * 2005-04-28 2006-11-23 Lisa Draxlmaier Gmbh Roller blind
EP1724155A1 (en) * 2005-05-19 2006-11-22 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Roller shutter with curved surface and Method for its production
US7581773B2 (en) 2005-05-19 2009-09-01 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Roller blind with curved surface
US7278681B2 (en) * 2005-09-22 2007-10-09 Nyx, Inc. Vehicle console
US20070063553A1 (en) * 2005-09-22 2007-03-22 Lev Lilov Vehicle console
US20100066115A1 (en) * 2007-01-04 2010-03-18 Johnson Control Technology Company Integrated soft center floor console
US8505997B2 (en) * 2007-01-04 2013-08-13 Johnson Controls Technology Company Integrated soft center floor console
US9481323B2 (en) 2008-12-03 2016-11-01 Jason M. Hipshier Flexible interior trim component having a smooth surface
US20100133866A1 (en) * 2008-12-03 2010-06-03 Johnson Controls Technology Company Flexible interior trim component having a smooth surface
US9085265B2 (en) 2010-05-12 2015-07-21 Johnson Controls Technology Company Flexible interior trim component having an integral skin show surface
US10077003B2 (en) * 2012-07-13 2018-09-18 Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd. Vehicle interior component
WO2015034788A1 (en) * 2013-09-06 2015-03-12 Johnson Controls Technology Company Adjustable vehicle armrest assembly having a tambour door
US9713972B2 (en) 2013-09-06 2017-07-25 Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd. Console for vehicle interior
CN105764748A (en) * 2013-09-06 2016-07-13 江森自控科技公司 Adjustable vehicle armrest assembly having tambour door
CN105793112A (en) * 2013-09-13 2016-07-20 江森自控科技公司 Vehicle console having a track for moving a tambour door between multiple positions
WO2015084976A1 (en) * 2013-12-04 2015-06-11 Johnson Controls Technology Company Adjustable vehicle armrest system having a tambour door
CN104908655A (en) * 2014-03-14 2015-09-16 本田技研工业株式会社 Vehicle console with sliding and pivoting armrest assembly
CN104908655B (en) * 2014-03-14 2019-11-26 本田技研工业株式会社 Vehicle console with sliding and pivoting assist handle component
JP2017052497A (en) * 2015-09-11 2017-03-16 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Storage device for vehicle
US10023126B2 (en) 2015-09-11 2018-07-17 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicular storage unit
CN107521839A (en) * 2016-06-22 2017-12-29 费希尔汽车系统有限责任两合公司 Storage tank with roller shutter
CN107521839B (en) * 2016-06-22 2019-06-11 费希尔汽车系统有限责任两合公司 Storage tank with roller shutter
FR3060487A1 (en) * 2016-12-19 2018-06-22 Faurecia Interieur Industrie STORAGE COMPARTMENT COMPRISING A SLIDING CURTAIN
US10926707B2 (en) 2017-06-27 2021-02-23 Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd. Vehicle interior component
CN112105527A (en) * 2018-05-14 2020-12-18 大众汽车股份公司 Storage device for a vehicle
US20210206328A1 (en) * 2018-05-14 2021-07-08 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Tray for a Vehicle
US12122303B2 (en) * 2018-05-14 2024-10-22 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Tray for a vehicle
US11358505B2 (en) * 2019-07-10 2022-06-14 Grammer Ag Seat armrest

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE19524177C1 (en) 1996-08-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5752740A (en) Motor vehicle armrest with storage space
US6102463A (en) Vehicle seat assembly with hidden storage compartment
US6234570B1 (en) Integration of sunglass storage holder with pull handle assembly
US5927794A (en) Operating device for unlocking at least one swivellable lid of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle
EP0854064A3 (en) Adjustable armrest for automobile console
US20070152461A1 (en) Console assembly for a vehicle
US20070085363A1 (en) Console assembly for a vehicle
US20070075558A1 (en) Console assembly for a vehicle
CN108215967B (en) Center console armrest for vehicle
USD361972S (en) Vehicle interior
US6027164A (en) Combination seat and armrest with storage compartments
JP2789551B2 (en) Armrest for vehicle
JPH06107073A (en) Console box for automobile
JP2578221B2 (en) Automotive seats with rotating storage tables
JPH0560343U (en) Structure of car trunk through seat
JP2000325181A (en) Armrest for vehicle seat
KR0143922B1 (en) A speaker for a vehicle
CN216507846U (en) Vehicle with a steering wheel
JP3265955B2 (en) Lid locking structure for trim parts
KR19980036367A (en) Console box of car
JP2658413B2 (en) Vehicle door waist structure
JPS6217321Y2 (en)
JP2584288Y2 (en) Automotive console box
JPH019704Y2 (en)
KR100324960B1 (en) Structure of arm rest for vehicle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MERCEDES-BENZ AG, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VOLKMANN, TILO;KOERBER, JUERGEN;REEL/FRAME:008072/0612

Effective date: 19960621

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

AS Assignment

Owner name: DAIMLER-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, GERMANY

Free format text: MERGER RE-RECORD TO CORRECT THE NUMBER OF MICROFILM PAGES FROM 60 TO 98 AT REEL 9360, FRAME 0937.;ASSIGNOR:MERCEDES-BENZ AG;REEL/FRAME:009827/0145

Effective date: 19970605

Owner name: DAIMLER-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, GERMANY

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:MERCEDES-BENZ AG;REEL/FRAME:009360/0937

Effective date: 19970605

AS Assignment

Owner name: DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG, GERMANY

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:DAIMLER-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT;REEL/FRAME:010133/0556

Effective date: 19990108

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20020519